1982 Citroen Mehari vs. 2006 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2006 Smart ForTwo is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Citroen Mehari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Citroen Mehari would be higher. At 698 cc (3 cylinders), 2006 Smart ForTwo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Smart ForTwo (60 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1982 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Smart ForTwo should accelerate faster than 1982 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Smart ForTwo weights approximately 257 kg more than 1982 Citroen Mehari. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Smart ForTwo is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2006 Smart ForTwo. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 Citroen Mehari, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2006 Smart ForTwo (95 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Smart ForTwo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Citroen Mehari. 2006 Smart ForTwo has automatic transmission and 1982 Citroen Mehari has manual transmission. 1982 Citroen Mehari will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Smart ForTwo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1982 Citroen Mehari | 2006 Smart ForTwo | |
Make | Citroen | Smart |
Model | Mehari | ForTwo |
Year Released | 1982 | 2006 |
Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Rear |
Engine Size | 602 cc | 698 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 29 HP | 60 HP |
Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5250 RPM |
Torque | 39 Nm | 95 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 558 kg | 815 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 2510 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1540 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1560 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 1820 mm |